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Recent rumors and gossip about MLBen-usIan Kennedy watches birth of daughter on FaceTime before startPadres pitcher Ian Kennedy got to see the birth of his daughter before Friday's start against the Marlins.01 Aug 2015 23:47:07 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/padres_pitcher_watches_birth_of_daughter_on_facetime_before_start/19273114
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/padres_pitcher_watches_birth_of_daughter_on_facetime_before_start/19273114Ian Kennedy watches birth of daughter on FaceTime before starthttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/padres_pitcher_watches_birth_of_daughter_on_facetime_before_start/19273114http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/8/78b3c30c097715b317af628df3c69b5c795ce28c/mini/GettyImages-472397044.jpgMatt Williams wants Bryce Harper to stop getting ejectedBryce Harper is one of the best players in baseball. He’s probably the front runner for National League MVP. However, he hurts his team when he gets ejected and Nationals manager Matt Williams wants that to come to an end. In the 11th inning of a tie game on Friday, Harper was called out on...Read More01 Aug 2015 22:31:17 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/matt_williams_wants_bryce_harper_to_stop_getting_ejected_from_games/19274236
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/matt_williams_wants_bryce_harper_to_stop_getting_ejected_from_games/19274236Matt Williams wants Bryce Harper to stop getting ejectedhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/matt_williams_wants_bryce_harper_to_stop_getting_ejected_from_games/19274236http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/9/3997a606c2a0d804f2797646124b462e408e1953/mini/harper-williams.jpgLarry Lucchino stepping down as Red Sox CEO01 Aug 2015 20:46:38 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/larry_lucchino_stepping_down_as_red_sox_ceo/19274110
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/larry_lucchino_stepping_down_as_red_sox_ceo/19274110Larry Lucchino stepping down as Red Sox CEOhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/larry_lucchino_stepping_down_as_red_sox_ceo/19274110http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/3/73eadce30db28fe37927f8a9a6cdf01c5c3b2b87/mini/larry-lucchino-1.jpgWinners and losers of the 2015 MLB trade deadline
Well, that was a fun week. While the final day before the 4 p.m. ET MLB trade deadline may not have been quite as exciting as last year’s (though the Mets hit a nice buzzer-beater), there were plenty of exciting rumors flying around. Besides, the week leading up to July 31 was as busy as in recent years, resulting in nearly anything seeming possible.
So which teams made the right additions, either filling key holes or increasing a strength on their rosters? Which clubs fell short of pulling off a deal that could be the difference in making the playoffs or gaining an edge in the postseason? Here are how the winners and losers line up, now that the smoke has cleared from an explosive 2015 trade deadline season.
Winner: Blue Jays Toronto nabbed the biggest prize on the trade market in David Price, providing the No. 1 starter the team has coveted for years and an ace that could easily influence a wild-card playoff or game one of a postseason series. But GM Alex Anthopoulos also made...31 Jul 2015 21:49:26 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/winners_and_losers_of_the_2015_mlb_trade_deadline/19270102
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/winners_and_losers_of_the_2015_mlb_trade_deadline/19270102Winners and losers of the 2015 MLB trade deadlinehttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/winners_and_losers_of_the_2015_mlb_trade_deadline/19270102http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/7/b7f06683b8a8030bb8bf6435cf68a887777e1271/mini/GettyImages-482584410.jpgDiamondbacks GM: Padres wanted Goldschmidt for KimbrelThis seems like a cruel April Fools’ joke that you play on your friends. Talking about the MLB trade deadline on the Burns and Gambo radio show in Arizona, Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart indicated that the San Diego Padres asked for Paul Goldschmidt in return for closer Craig Kimbrel.
Dave Stewart tells Burns and Gambo the Padres wanted Paul Goldschmidt from the Dbacks for closer Craig Kimbrell….WOW
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 31, 2015
This is real life, ladies and gentlemen. The Padres actually asked for a first baseman in Goldschmidt that’s leading the Majors with a .347 batting average and a .464 on-base percentage. The 27-year-old former National League MVP runner-up is under contract for three more seasons at about $8.5 million annually.
Meanwhile, Kimbrel, who hasn’t been the dominating closer he was with the Atlanta Braves prior to a preseason deal to San Diego, is due an average of $12.3 million over the next two years.
This also explains why San...31 Jul 2015 19:05:53 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/diamondbacks_gm_padres_wanted_paul_goldschmidt_for_craig_kimbrel/19269238
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/diamondbacks_gm_padres_wanted_paul_goldschmidt_for_craig_kimbrel/19269238Diamondbacks GM: Padres wanted Goldschmidt for Kimbrelhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/diamondbacks_gm_padres_wanted_paul_goldschmidt_for_craig_kimbrel/19269238http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/e/2e4cefa571f515fdee5cda8357baa9629b3700ce/mini/GettyImages-477116434-web.jpgMets acquire Yoenis Cespedes from Tigers
The New York Mets couldn’t get a trade done for Carlos Gomez. They didn’t get one done for Jay Bruce. But they DID end up picking up a legitimate power bat in the outfield – Yoenis Cespedes.
Source says Cespedes has been dealt to the Mets .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 31, 2015
New York did NOT deal Zack Wheeler to the Tigers in the Cespedes deal. They ended up giving up a pair of minor leaguers,
Cespedes is hitting .293/.323/.506 with 18 homers. He’ll be a free agent after the season, but because of a clause in his contract, he wasn’t eligible for a qualifying offer or arbitration.
The Tigers ended up moving three of their six impending free agents, dealing Cespedes, David Price, and Joakim Soria while holding onto Alex Avila, Alfredo Simon, and Rajai Davis.
The Mets gave up a lot less for Cespedes than they would have for Carlos Gomez – just minor league pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa.
#Mets gave up Fulmer and Cessa for Cespedes #Tigers
— Joel S...31 Jul 2015 16:44:11 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_acquire_yoenis_cespedes_from_tigers/19268503
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/mets_acquire_yoenis_cespedes_from_tigers/19268503Mets acquire Yoenis Cespedes from Tigershttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_acquire_yoenis_cespedes_from_tigers/19268503http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/f/5ff88c715263ddf02abc1df09916233c568b2cf3/mini/GettyImages-473069894-web.jpgYankees, Astros reportedly both pursuing Craig Kimbrel
San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel could be on the move for the second time in four months. The Padres haven’t made any trades this July, yet are reportedly in discussions with multiple teams about multiple players, including Kimbrel. The teams hottest on Kimbrel? The AL East leading Yankees and AL West leading Astros.
The Padres spoke overnight with both the New York Yankees and Houston Astros about deals involving their all-star closer, sources told ESPN.com, and were attempting to come to an agreement on prospects and how much of the approximately $29 million remaining on Kimbrel’s contract each team would pick up.
The Yankees are believed to be willing to assume all of Kimbrel’s money, but are balking at including their most highly coveted prospects — either pitcher Luis Severino, outfielder Aaron Judge or first baseman Greg Bird.
The Astros and Padres are said to be working on a potentially larger deal that could include both Kimbrel and one of the Padres controllable...31 Jul 2015 10:05:47 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yankees_astros_both_pursuing_craig_kimbrel/19265251
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yankees_astros_both_pursuing_craig_kimbrel/19265251Yankees, Astros reportedly both pursuing Craig Kimbrelhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_astros_both_pursuing_craig_kimbrel/19265251http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/1/a1e542fac08f31bff12517f9fc8dc0449c6c7839/mini/craig.jpgBoras: Marlins players are angry Marcell Ozuna is in minorsScott Boras says that Miami Marlins players are pissed off at the team over the handling of Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna, who is represented by Boras, was demoted to Triple-A earlier this month. Though Ozuna’s numbers weren’t great, they certainly weren’t bad enough where you’d say he should be in the minors. He was batting .249/.301/.347,...Read More30 Jul 2015 23:27:36 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/scott_boras_marlins_players_are_pissed_marcell_ozuna_is_in_minors/19263835
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/scott_boras_marlins_players_are_pissed_marcell_ozuna_is_in_minors/19263835Boras: Marlins players are angry Marcell Ozuna is in minorshttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/scott_boras_marlins_players_are_pissed_marcell_ozuna_is_in_minors/19263835http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/b/bb9209f2e93ca988ffb18ef9b1069d56815dc7c8/mini/marlins.jpgSandoval downplays talk about weight, conditioning, defenseBOSTON — After Pablo Sandoval was removed from Wednesday’s game due to dehydration, Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell said Sandoval’s conditioning is a matter that “continues to be addressed.”
The 5-foot-11, 255-pound third baseman’s weight has been a point of discussion throughout his major league career, but Sandoval insisted Thursday that he has not gained any since last season.
“I’m still the weight that I was last year the weight that I finished my season,” he said as the Red Sox prepared to host the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park. “So I don’t get complaints about it. I have to keep working hard, yes I do, but I don’t focus about that. I focus about teamwork and try to do the best out there for my team.”
Manager John Farrell praised Sandoval’s work ethic but said his weight has been known to fluctuate.
“The one thing that we do know is that there’s a wide range in which it will fluctuate. And that’s been consistent year to year with Pablo. I do know this: His 30 Jul 2015 20:58:32 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/pablo_sandoval_dismisses_concerns_about_weight_conditioning_defense/19262947
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/pablo_sandoval_dismisses_concerns_about_weight_conditioning_defense/19262947Sandoval downplays talk about weight, conditioning, defensehttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/pablo_sandoval_dismisses_concerns_about_weight_conditioning_defense/19262947http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/5/55ae0e7ff297d137dfa411cbf84c54e521aeae82/mini/pablo.jpgAstros acquire Carlos Gomez from BrewersThis might actually be safe to report. After all the drama surrounding a potential Carlos Gomez trade from the Milwaukee Brewers to the New York Mets on Wednesday evening, it appears that Milwaukee has finally found a landing spot for the two-time All-Star outfielder.
According to CBS Sports insider Jon Heyman, Gomez has been traded along with starter Mike Fiers to the Houston Astros.
carlos gomez and mike fiers go to houston
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 30, 2015
Following Houston’s acquisition of Scott Kazmir last week, most of the focus turned to adding another bat to what has been a potent lineup. Gomez, 29, entered Thursday’s action hitting .262 with eight homers, 43 RBI’s and a total of 29 extra-base hits.
Considering Gomez had hit 19-plus homers in each of the past three seasons, it has been somewhat of a down year from a power standpoint. Under team control for just $9 million next season, this is a tremendous move for Houston both moving forward this season ...30 Jul 2015 20:19:30 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/houston_astros_acquire_carlos_gomez_from_the_milwaukee_brewers/19263088
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/houston_astros_acquire_carlos_gomez_from_the_milwaukee_brewers/19263088Astros acquire Carlos Gomez from Brewershttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/houston_astros_acquire_carlos_gomez_from_the_milwaukee_brewers/19263088http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/8/a8a28f0b231e41866b8be7d47ad06b96fbb6f4b2/mini/gomez.jpgYankees finally get Dustin AckleyThe Yankees had been chasing Dustin Ackley for a while. I don’t know exactly how long the pursuit had gone on, but I remember rumors around the 2013 winter meetings, and they’ve popped up from time to time since. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, Brian Cashman maintained his interest in Ackley, and now […]30 Jul 2015 18:38:53 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yankees_finally_get_dustin_ackley/19262104
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yankees_finally_get_dustin_ackley/19262104Yankees finally get Dustin Ackleyhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_finally_get_dustin_ackley/19262104http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/a/ea5565863bcd91ac09cd64bb71ea7c1b2fa91678/mini/GettyImages-470709584-web-2.jpgMurphy pulled players to give media ‘something to think about’San Diego Padres interim manager Pat Murphy probably worked the assembled media in attendance of Wednesday night’s game against the New York Mets into a lather by making some strange bench moves during the team’s 7-3 win. And he admitted after the game he did so simply to mess with them. Murphy pulled both Matt...Read More
The post Padres manager pulled players to give media ‘something to think about’ appeared first on Sportress of Blogitude.30 Jul 2015 16:42:42 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/padres_manager_pulled_players_to_give_media_something_to_think_about/19260979
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/padres_manager_pulled_players_to_give_media_something_to_think_about/19260979Murphy pulled players to give media ‘something to think about’http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/padres_manager_pulled_players_to_give_media_something_to_think_about/19260979http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/b/4bc728a8e1b2d09e42aab7fc2cb5dd1d67d7eddf/mini/GettyImages-481551680.jpgDavid Price traded to Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly traded for Detroit Tigers pitcher David Price. Shortly after reports surfaced indicating that the Los Angeles Dodgers were considered the favorites for Price, the Blue Jays are said to have ramped up their pursuit of the 29-year-old. david price is going to toronto. norris is going back in deal....Read More30 Jul 2015 13:01:30 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/david_price_traded_to_blue_jays/19259857
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/david_price_traded_to_blue_jays/19259857David Price traded to Blue Jayshttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/david_price_traded_to_blue_jays/19259857http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/f/efd185831c93eef5e6dcb0c17bffb9b26ca3dec4/mini/price.jpgCole Hamels chose Rangers over AstrosThe Philadelphia Phillies traded pitcher Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night, but they may have been forced to turn down a team that was offering a better package. That team is the one that is currently eight games ahead of the Rangers in the AL West division, but Hamels blocked the trade....Read More30 Jul 2015 11:09:43 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cole_hamels_chose_rangers_over_astros/19258738
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cole_hamels_chose_rangers_over_astros/19258738Cole Hamels chose Rangers over Astroshttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cole_hamels_chose_rangers_over_astros/19258738http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/7/c7262a35861ee449a3557e1cf958fa21d113c71f/mini/hamels.jpgReport: Aroldis Chapman unlikely to be tradedThe Cincinnati Reds are supposed to be in full sell mode after shipping Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals over the weekend, but their other big pitching piece doesn’t look like he will be heading anywhere.
Jayson Stark is reporting that Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is unlikely to be traded despite high interest just a few weeks ago. The flame-throwing lefty had drawn interest from the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals, but it looks like he’s not going anywhere. We have been told that the market for Chapman has dried up over the past week or so as teams concentrated on other options.
The 27-year-old Cuban is having another nice season, as he has saved 20 games in 21 chances and boasts a 1.69 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 42.2 innings. Chapman’s WHIP of 1.22 is high for what we’ve come to expect from him, but all-in-all he’s having a good year and doing his job well on a terrible Reds team.
Chapman is making $8.05 million this season and is arbit...30 Jul 2015 01:45:29 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/report_aroldis_chapman_unlikely_to_be_traded/19257322
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/report_aroldis_chapman_unlikely_to_be_traded/19257322Report: Aroldis Chapman unlikely to be tradedhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_aroldis_chapman_unlikely_to_be_traded/19257322http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/3/73e02aed33a2579e1b51002c69a0d892dbb10861/mini/aroldis-chapman.jpg